At the Tour de France, German hopes rest on shooting star Florian Lipowitz. The 25-year-old wants to make a new attempt at the cycling highlight to put dominator Tadej Pogacar in trouble. However, he still sees a good deal ahead of the Slovenians.
“He’s simply an all-rounder. He’s quick, strong, strong on long climbs. It’s been a long time since there’s been a Tour de France winner who can ride the classics so well at the same time. He hardly has any weaknesses,” enthused Lipowitz in Pogacar’s “SID” interview.
Nevertheless, the German sees an opportunity under certain circumstances: “Perhaps the only thing is to survive his attacks on the mountain and get back on his rear wheel.”
Of course, for that you need “the same legs as Pogacar – and I think he is currently one or two steps ahead of everyone.”
“There are three drivers who were definitely better”
In around four weeks, the Tour de France will open with the Grand Départ in Barcelona and with it the hunt for the yellow jersey – with Lipowitz among the extended favorites.
Whether last year’s third place finishes again on the podium also depends on the competition. The German has had a promising spring, achieving top 3 results in three one-week tours. The truth, however, is that he didn’t win any.
“If you look at the races this year, there are three drivers who were definitely better,” admitted Lipowitz. He had to admit defeat to each of his three main rivals, Pogacar (Tour de Romandie), Jonas Vingegaard (Tour of Catalonia) and Paul Seixas (Tour of the Basque Country).
Self-confidence has grown at Lipowitz
Lipowitz is all the more motivated to do (even) better on the upcoming tour. “I think I’m more mature as a driver this year and can handle the pressure better,” he emphasized.
Striking: The shooting star from the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team appears with noticeably increased self-confidence. Lipowitz doesn’t seem to be inhibited by no longer being the underdog.
